Remembrance Day is a significant time on our calendar and has particular poignance as we observe the aggression around our world today. We were privileged to hear the personal stories of family members’ war experiences from four of our members. A significant amount of research and preparation produced a variety of experiences that were recounted with sensitivity that we all found thoroughly engaging and thought provoking. Our thanks to Kenn Williams, Clive Purt, Chris Whelan and Tony Haeusler for sharing with us to make a truly memorable, respectful Remembrance Day meeting.
With Applecross Rotary 25th Anniversary Jacaranda Festival now only days away it is essential; that everyone involved participates in the briefings on Tuesday or Wednesday to ensure the detailed planning undertaken by our leader, Chris Whelan, and his team is understood and clearly followed to ensure the success on Sunday. It promises to be wonderful day for all and a fitting celebration to mark this milestone thanks to all the impressive preparation.
A gentle reminder of the need for us to consider suggestions for a focus to include in the proposal for our application in the District Club Incentive Program as applications close on December 3rd. Something to give serious consideration to after Sunday.
This year our regular Tuesday Breakfast meeting coincided with Remembrance Day, and our program Directors, Michele Muir and Clive Purt, decided to ask members to talk about family members who volunteered to serve in the First or Second World Wars.
President Margaret presided over the presentations which were given by Kenn Williams, Clive Purt, Chris Whelan, and Tony Haeusler. They were preceded by a short audio presentation put together by Aaron Hoffman, which included the reading of the “Ode” followed by the sound of a lone bugler playing the Last Post, and then after one minutes silence, Reveille.*
Clive told us about recently visiting his uncle’s grave in the Santerno Valley War Cemetery, near Bologna in Italy. He was impressed about how beautifully maintained the graves are by the Commonwealth War Graces Commission.
Tony told us about his great uncles Reg and Arthur Thorn, and he read a very moving and beautiful letter that Reg wrote to his mother before dying in the subsequent battle.
It was a very busy Monday morning for the AxR team at FoodBank as we rolled up our sleeves for the annual Give A Feed Christmas Hamper packing.
Despite being a little short-staffed after three late withdrawals, the team still managed to pack 200 hampers—each valued at $50—for delivery to those in need within our wider community. Other groups will continue packing throughout the week to help meet the demand.
The hampers offer great value, with plenty of variety and options to help families enjoy a proper Christmas feast. Everything included is either donated or provided at significantly reduced prices, a reminder of the meaningful contribution made by many major businesses, not to mention the vital role of volunteer groups like ours that help bring it all together.
This activity often lands in the middle of our busiest period leading up to the Festival, so a special thank you to everyone who made the trip out to FoodBank near the International Airport— including Murray from Melville Rotary.
A fantastic team effort, and thanks to Marianne for coordinating.
The 2025 Jacaranda Festival briefing session for all Club volunteers will be held during our breakfast meeting on Tuesday, 18 November, in the Dome meeting room.
Attached below is the current latest roster. Please check for your name and note the tasks assigned to you.
While some of you are already familiar with the process, many new members have taken on important roles this year. It’s essential that we go through the briefing together to ensure everything runs smoothly.
You may join via Zoom if necessary, but your in-person attendance is strongly encouraged.
For those unable to attend on Tuesday, there will be a second briefing session on Wednesday, 19 November, for other volunteers. Please make sure to attend that session instead.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment — your efforts make this event a success every year!
If you would like to check out the superb quality of the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra visit their website and scroll down to listen to a variety their works.
We look forward to enjoying the pleasure of your company for what promises to be will be an absolutely superb concert.
Our annual Christmas event.will be held on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 4:30pm at Bad Apples Kearns Crescent Applecross.
Cost is $65pp and payment can be made either at the breakfast meetings cash/ eftpos or via Direct Debit to the following Bank Account -
AxR Administration
BSB: 066-173
Account: 1002 3750
Please accept or decline this invitation to assist with planning the event either with Liz Palmer at the breakfast meetings or via ClubRunner app (need help ask Aaron or Ray).
